How to Get Kids to Read!

  • Create READ posters with the students in them instead of famous people
  • Create a READ Poster with a picture taken from behind a staff member reading a book: students have to guess the staff member and the book they're reading based on the back of their head and three clues about the book
  • "If you liked..." resource lists & displays
  • DISPLAYS, DISPLAYS, DISPLAYS - listen to what your students are asking for and create displays of that topic/genre/type of book - whatever you can do to make it easier for them to notice something appealing
  • Genre label stickers on the books so students can easily find something they want
  • Handselling - "Hey, I noticed you like fishing. I have this incredible book I think you would really enjoy..." - it makes them feel special, and you're actually placing a book in someone's hand, so the hard work of picking out a book is done! And it will build trust and keep them coming back for more recommendations
  • Hav students write recommendations for other students - you can put them in cards in the books, in your online catalog, on a wiki, your library website, etc.
  • Student-created book trailers